Rudolf II Habsburg Bronze Medal 17th–18th C. Portrait & Arms – Holy Roman Empire Rudolf II Habsburg – Holy Roman Empire Bronze Medal, Late 17th – Early 18th Century Diameter: 37 mm | Weight: 15.86 g | Bronze A finely executed historical bronze medal portraying Rudolf II (1552–1612), Holy Roman Emperor from 1576 to 1612 and one of the most influential sovereigns of the Habsburg dynasty. The medal belongs to the tradition of posthumous commemorative issues produced in the late 17th / early 18th century in the Habsburg lands (Austria–Bohemia). Obverse Realistic bust of Emperor Rudolf II, wearing a ruffled collar in the late Renaissance fashion. The Latin legend, in typical Imperial style, reads variations of: RVDOLPHVS II D.G. REX ROM. IMP. AVG. (“Rudolf II, by the Grace of God, King of the Romans, Emperor Augustus.”) The portrait is powerful, deeply modelled, and stylistically consistent with the Imperial medallist tradition of Central Europe. Reverse Ecclesiastical coat of arms under a prelatial galero, surmounted by a multi–arm cross. The shield displays three stars, a heraldic pattern associated with high-ranking prelates connected to the Imperial court in Vienna and Prague. The motto reads: SOLI DEO – ALIT – AETERNIOR (“To God alone – nourishes – the eternal one.”) This type belongs to the medals created as diplomatic gifts, ecclesiastical commemoratives or family heraldic pieces during the post-Rudolfine period. Historical Significance Rudolf II is remembered for: • His patronage of the arts and sciences • The legendary Prague imperial court, home to painters, alchemists, astronomers • The flourishing of Mannerist art • His political influence across Central Europe Medals of this type were collected by scholars and nobles from the 17th century onward and circulated in cabinets of curiosities (“Wunderkammer”). Beautiful original dark brown patina. High-relief portrait with strong facial details. No cleaning or modern alterations. An authentic and historically significant example of Habsburg medallic art. Country/Region of Manufacture Holy Roman Empire (Austria / Bohemia)